# How to Set Up RCON and Telnet on Your 7 Days to Die Server (/docs/7-days-to-die/rcon)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

7 Days to Die uses Telnet as its remote console protocol, allowing you to run server commands without being in-game.

Enabling Telnet / RCON [#enabling-telnet--rcon]

In `serverconfig.xml`:

```xml
<property name="TelnetEnabled" value="true" />
<property name="TelnetPort" value="8081" />
<property name="TelnetPassword" value="YourSecurePassword" />
<property name="TelnetFailedLoginLimit" value="10" />
<property name="TelnetFailedLoginsBlocktime" value="10" />
```

| Setting                       | Default | Description                                          |
| ----------------------------- | ------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| `TelnetEnabled`               | `true`  | Enable remote console                                |
| `TelnetPort`                  | `8081`  | TCP port for Telnet connections                      |
| `TelnetPassword`              | `""`    | Password (blank = localhost only — no remote access) |
| `TelnetFailedLoginLimit`      | `10`    | Wrong password attempts before IP is blocked         |
| `TelnetFailedLoginsBlocktime` | `10`    | Block duration in seconds                            |

> ⚠️ **Security:** Set a strong password (16+ characters). With a blank password, Telnet only listens on localhost — you can't connect remotely.

Connecting via Telnet [#connecting-via-telnet]

Command Line [#command-line]

```bash
telnet <server-ip> 8081
```

PuTTY (Windows) [#putty-windows]

1. Set connection type to **Raw** (not SSH)
2. Enter the server IP and port 8081
3. Click Open
4. Enter the Telnet password when prompted

RCON Tools [#rcon-tools]

* **ARRCON** — Windows GUI RCON client
* **mcrcon** — Cross-platform CLI tool
* **RCON Web Admin** — Browser-based interface

Available Commands [#available-commands]

All [console commands](/docs/7-days-to-die/command-reference) are available via Telnet. You authenticate with the Telnet password, which grants admin-level access.

Web Dashboard (Alternative) [#web-dashboard-alternative]

7DTD also has a built-in web dashboard:

```xml
<property name="WebDashboardEnabled" value="true" />
<property name="WebDashboardPort" value="8080" />
```

Access it at `http://<server-ip>:8080` in a browser.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Command Reference](/docs/7-days-to-die/command-reference)
* [Ports Reference](/docs/7-days-to-die/ports)
* [Admin Setup](/docs/7-days-to-die/admin-setup)